The medieval city of Ávila in central Spain is located 69 miles northwest of Madrid and lies at 1,128 meters (3,700 feet) above sea level, Spain's highest provincial capital.
It was the birthplace of the famed 16th-century Spanish mystic, Saint TERESA OF AVILA.
The city has a population of 75,578 (2005) and it is partially surrounded by the Río Tajo (Tagus River).

Its well preserved fortification walls built in the 12th century completely encircle the old center, while the modern part of the city has expanded outside these walls.
On the east side is the fortified apse of the Cathedral (known as the Cimorro).
Outside of the walls stand the Romanesque Churches of San Vicente and San Pedro

In 1985, Ávila was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Walls (Las Murallas).
The construction of the walls began in the year 1090, and it is said that it took 2,000 men 9 years to complete.
The walls (Las Murallas) are 2,526 meters (1.57 miles) in lenght and consist of 88 towers and nine entrance gates.
The average height is 12 meters.

The best place to begin an exploration of the city on foot is the Plaza de Santa Teresa opposite to the Puerta del Alcázar.

Visiting Ávila. How to Get to Ávila.

You can get to Ávila from Madrid either by train or bus.
The Cercanías Train departing from Atocha station takes about 2 hours to arrive at Ávila, and a return ticket costs 11.30 Euros.
Ávila's train station is located to the east of the city walls about 15 minutes away walking.
The bus from Madrid to Ávila is taken at the Estación Sur de Autobuses (Metro Méndez Álvaro).